You don’t want your teen to smoke cigarettes. You don’t want your teen smoke marijuana. There’s the danger that normal development of the prefrontal cortex will be disrupted, with permanent consequences. Damage to lungs. Addiction. Gateway to other drugs.
Why do they do it? Many teens think smoking is a way to relax and appear adult-like, rebellious, and cool. The drug may even be legal where you live. Peer pressure is powerful.
What can a parent do? The first step is to be informed. Then you can help your young teen be informed. Here’s a starter list of articles:
Marijuana – articles from Your Teen Magazine..
- Lessons from States Where Pot Is Legal – What Parents Need to Know
- Effects of Marijuana on Teens – Legalization Complicates the Conversation
- Risks of Teens Smoking Marijuana – So What’s the Big Deal?
- Marijuana and Teens – Is Marijuana a More Serious Drug?
I describe the impact of pot on the developing adolescent brain in my book:
How Your Teen Can Grow a Smarter Brain.
Also you can improve the way you listen to your child, growing the bond between you. Download the FREE ebook, Listening to Understand.